Outer Garment for the Handicapped or Elderly

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an outer garment, having a first and second front panels and a back panel wherein the front panels are integrally connected at their upper ends to the back panel; first and second front flaps horizontally extending respectively from the first and second front panels; first and second back flaps horizontally extending from both sides of the back panel; a front fastening means for fastening the first and second front panels together; a first fastening means for fastening the first front and back flaps together; and a second fastening means for fastening the second front and back flaps together. The panels and flaps are essentially coextensive and integrally constructed such that they form a two-dimensional panel. In addition, in the unfolded view of the outer garment, inner edges of the first and second front panels form an angle of about 70-90 degrees.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an outer garment, and more particularly to a special vest for use by the handicapped, elderly, or infirmed that enables easier dressing and undressing with or without the help of an assistant.

The physically handicapped, elderly, or patients who suffer from losses of mobility in their arms or legs, have a special need for clothing that is easy to dress and undress, yet which is stylish and attractive. Some may or may not need assistance with dressing and undressing. In either case, wearing a garment or dressing them is not an easy task. It accompanies a lot of difficulty, especially for those who are bedridden. Assisting the bedridden individual to dress or undress places a considerable burden on a caregiver. Therefore, there is a major need for a garment which is easy to put on and take off.

A wide variety of garments have been developed for the handicapped, elderly or patients, to assist in their daily lives or to facilitate a special purpose, such as receiving medical treatment. Few garments, however, provide a vest which is easy to put on and take off. Furthermore, most conventional garments tend to be restrictive and inconvenient for individuals with limited mobility in their arms or legs to put on, as they are composed of a front panel, back panel and sleeves joined together at the seams. Even those without sleeves are not comfortable or convenient to wear. They place a burden on the assistant in helping individuals dressing the garment. Thus, wearing a vest is a very hard task not just for the wearer, but also for the assistant.

Accordingly, the need for a vest, having a simple structure, for use by the handicapped, elderly, or infirmed that enables easier dressing and undressing with or without the help of an assistant has been present for a long time, considering the expansive demands in everyday life. This invention is directed to solve these problems and to satisfy a long-felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention presents an outer garment and more particularly to a special vest of very simple structure for use by the handicapped, elderly, infirmed or a patient, which enables easier dressing and undressing with or without the help of an assistant.

The object of this invention is to provide a vest, which is easy to dress and undress, comprising first and second front panels and a back panel wherein the front panels are connected at their upper ends to the back panel; first and second front flaps horizontally extending respectively from the first and second front panels; first and second back flaps horizontally extending from both sides of the back panel; a front fastening means for fastening the first and second front panels together; a first fastening means for fastening the first front and back flaps together; and a second fastening means for fastening the second front and back flaps together.

Another object of this invention is to provide a vest which is simple in construction, easy to manufacture at reduced cost and adapted to fit wearers with variously sized waistlines. The vest has a very simple structure because the first and second front panels, the back panel, the first and second front flaps, and the first and second back flaps are essentially coextensive and integrally constructed, such that they form a two-dimensional panel. In addition, in the unfolded view of the outer garment, inner edges of the first and second front panels form an angle of about 70-90 degrees.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a vest with which cleaning and care is easy and inexpensive.

Still another object of this invention is to provide good ventilation since it is comprised only of one integrated piece of fabric and there are no sleeves. There is to be no perspiration since air is always circulating.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a vest, which is stylish and attractive in appearance. Except the simple structure and additional inventive features, the invention is an ordinary vest, providing warmth and comfort. For example, gowns worn by a patient are not generally stylish and those who are wearing the vest of the present invention will look stylish.

The advantages of the present invention are: (1) the present invention is very easy to dress and undress, reducing time and effort of the wearer or assistant in dressing or undressing; (2) the present invention has a very simple structure and thus, it is easy to manufacture at reduced cost; (3) the present invention provides good ventilation; and (4) the present invention provides a vest which is stylish and attractive in appearance.

Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an unfolded view of the invention showing outer side of the garment;

FIG. 2 is another unfolded view of the invention showing inner side of the garment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention worn by a wearer;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the invention with the optional bib attached;

FIG. 7 is a view of the attachment means for the bib in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an unfolded view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing outer side of the garment;

FIG. 9 is another unfolded view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 showing inner side of the garment;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the embodiment in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the embodiment in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 worn by a wearer;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an unfolded view of the invention 100 showing outer side of the garment. The outer garment 100 comprises a first front panel 10; a second front panel 15 wherein the first and second front panels 10, 15 cover a frontal torso of a wearer; a back panel 20 for covering a back torso of the wearer wherein the first and second front panels 10, 15 are connected at their upper ends 55 to the back panel 20 and the first and second front panels 10, 15 and the back panel 20 define a neck opening 50 to allow the first and second front panels 10, 15 and the back panel 20 to be fitted over a head of the wearer and to be supported upon the wearer's shoulders; a first front flap 30, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the first front panel 10 to the horizontally outer direction; a second front flap 35, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the second front panel 15 to the horizontally outer direction for covering the side of the torso of the wearer; a first back flap 40, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the back panel 20 to horizontally outer direction, substantially similar to the extending direction of the first front flap 30; a second back flap 45, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the back panel 20 to horizontally outer direction, substantially similar to the extending direction of the second front flap 15; a front fastening means 60 provided near inner edges 11, 16 of the first and second front panels for fastening the first and second front panels 10, 15 together; a first fastening means 70 provided on the first back flap 40 and the upper part of the first front flap 30 for fastening the first front and back flaps 30, 40 together; and a second fastening means 75 provided on the second back flap 45 and the upper part of the second front flap 35 for fastening the second front and back flaps 35, 45 together.

Here, FIGS. 3 and 4 shows that the flaps are extended to horizontally outer direction. Thus, “horizontal” should be understood from the front and rear views of the invention as in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The front fastening means 60 may be any of various fastening means comprised of the group of snaps, buttons, a hook and loop (VEL-CRO), hook and eye, zippers, claps, ties or any other available fastener capable of connecting the first and second front panels 10, 15.

FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively show a front and rear views of the invention 100. The vertical length of the first and second front panels 10, 15 is substantially similar to the vertical length of the back panel 20. Here, the vertical length is the distance from the upper ends 55 respectively to the bottom edge 12, 17, 21 of the first and second front panels 10, 15, or the back panel 20.

The upper part of back flap 40, 45 is fastened to the upper part of the front flap 30, 35. Accordingly, when fastened, the first front and back flaps 30, 40, and the second front and back flaps 35, 45 respectively form armholes 60, 65 of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second front panels 10, 15, the back panel 20, the first and second front flaps 30, 35, and the first and second back flaps 40, 45 are essentially coextensive and integrally constructed such that the panels 10, 15, 20 and flaps 30, 35, 40, 45 form a two-dimensional panel. There is no seam between the first or second front panel 10, 15, or the back panel 20, and the first or second front flap 30, 35, or the first or second back flap 40, 45. However, there may or may not be a seam between the first or second front panel 10, 15, and the back panel 20. As the invention 100 is comprised of one single piece of panel, the present invention 100 has a very simple structure and it is easy to manufacture at reduced cost. Alternatively, however, there may be seams between one of the panels 10, 15, 20 and one of the flaps 30, 35, 40, 45.

To the single panel of the invention 100, a rim 19 may be provided continuously on the outer boundary of the outer garment 100. The rim 19 defines the whole shape of the invention 100 and may comprise an ornamental design by stitches, or different color or material.

In the unfolded view of the outer garment 100 as in FIG. 1 or 2, an inner edge 11 of the first front panel 10 and an inner edge 16 of the second front panel 15 form an angle of about 90 degrees or less. The angle may be about 70-90 degrees and preferably, it is about 80 degrees. Because of this feature, when the outer garment 100 is worn, the upper edges 55 fit shoulders of the wearer very well.

The first fastening means 70 may be any of various fastening means comprised of the group of snaps, buttons, a hook and loop (VEL-CRO), hook and eye, zippers, claps, ties or any other available fastener capable of connecting the first front and back flaps 30, 40.

Preferably, the first and second fastening means 70, 75 may be comprised of at least one male snap portion and at least one female snap portion. Furthermore, a plurality of snap portions may be provided on the first and second front flaps 30, 35 at relatively horizontally spaced apart locations on the outer surface of the outer garment 100 so that one of the snap portions can be fastened from outer side of the outer garment 100. Thus, a wearer can adjust the tightness of fastening, depending on the size of waistline or comfort.

Alternatively, the first fastening means 70 may be comprised of a hook and loop fastening material, and one of the hook and loop fastening material may be a strip relatively horizontally attached respectively to the first and second front flaps 30, 35. Because of the strip, a wearer can adjust the tightness of fastening, depending on the size of waistline or comfort.

As in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, there may be a plurality of creases 91 made in the back panel 20. Without the creases 91, the back panel 20 may not fit the back of a wearer very well. Because of the creases 91, the back panel 20 fits very well the back of the wearer. Preferably, two creases 91 are provided and in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, broken lines 91 show stitches between the front and back sides of the back panel 20 and solid lines 91 show outlines of the creases 91 made by the stitches.

Seams 55 may be provided between the first front panel 10 and the back panel 20 and between the second front panel 15 and the back panel 20. To use standard size of fabric, connecting the front panels 10, 15 and back panels 20 with seams can save fabric material, compared to making one single panel of the front and back panels 10, 15, 20 without seams.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the invention worn by a wearer. The vest 100 snuggly fits the wearer. Even if, FIG. 5 depicts the front flaps 30, 35 fastened above the front flaps 40, 45, it may be the other way, say, the back flaps 40, 45 are fastened above the front flaps 30, 35. In this case, it is easier for an assistant to fasten the flaps for a wearer.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the invention 100 with the optional bib 80 attached. The outer garment 100 further comprises a releasably attached bib 80 which is attachable to about shoulders of the wearer by a bib attachment means 82. One bib attachment means 82 is disposed about both sides of shoulders of the wearer and another bib attachment means 82 is disposed both sides of upper rim of the releasably attached bib 80.

The bib attachment means 82 may be any of various fastening means comprised of the group of snaps, buttons, a hook and loop (VEL-CRO), hook and eye, zippers, claps, ties or any other available fastener capable of connecting the releasably attached bib 80 to the vest 100. However, preferably, the releasably attached bib 80 may be attached to the outer vest 100 by means of a hook and loop bib fastening material 82. Additionally, two strips of the hook and loop bib fastening material 82 may be provided near the upper ends of the first and second front panels 10, 15. The two strips of the hook and loop bib fastening material 82 on the first and second front panels 10, 15 may be disposed inside a pocket of about the size of the strips so that the two strips of the hook and loop bib fastening material 82 are not visible from outside. Because of this pocket structure, the bib 80 can tightly hang to the invention 100.

FIGS. 8-12 show an alternative embodiment of the invention 100. Basically, the alternative embodiment has the same elements and structure, except that the vertical length of the first and second front panels 10, 15 is substantially greater than the vertical length of the back panel 20. FIGS. 11 and 12 show this. Here, the vertical length is the distance from the upper ends 55 respectively to the bottom edge 12, 17, 21 of the first and second front panels 10, 15, or the back panel 20. Since the back panel 20 is shorter than the front panels 10, 15, an assistant can easily help a bedridden individual wearing the garment of the invention 100. Even when the individual lies on a bed, the assistant can easily insert the back portion 20 between the bed and the back of the individual.

Besides, the vertical length of the first and second front flaps 30, 35 is substantially greater than the vertical length of the first and second back flaps 40, 45. The back flap 40, 45 is fastened to the upper part of the front flap 30, 35, and the back panel 20 is shorter than the front panels 10, 15. Accordingly, when fastened, the first front and back flaps 30, 40, and the second front and back flaps 35, 45 respectively form armholes 60, 65 of the invention.

In the unfolded view of the outer garment 100 as in FIGS. 8 and 9, an inner edge 11 of the first front panel 10 and an inner edge 16 of the second front panel 15 form an angle of about 70-90 degrees. The angle may be preferably about 80 degrees. Because of this feature, when the outer garment 100 is worn, the upper edge 55 fits shoulders of the wearer very well.

The first fastening means 70 may be any of various fastening means comprised of the group of snaps, buttons, a hook and loop (VEL-CRO), hook and eye, zippers, claps, ties or any other available fastener capable of connecting the first front and back flaps 30, 40.

Preferably, the first and second fastening means 70, 75 may be comprised of at least one male snap portion and at least one female snap portion. Furthermore, a plurality of snap portions 70, 75 may be provided on the first and second front flaps 10, 15 at relatively horizontally spaced apart locations on the outer surface of the outer garment so that one of the snap portions can be fastened from outer side of the outer garment 100.

Alternative embodiment as in FIG. 8 does not need creases as the back panel 20 is shorter and the back panel 20 is not spaced apart from the back of a wearer.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the embodiment 100 in FIG. 8 worn by a wearer. The vest 100 snuggly fits the wearer. Unlike the first embodiment, the vertical length of the first and second front flaps 30, 35 is substantially greater than the vertical length of the first and second back flaps 40, 45. The first and second fastening means 70, 75 are located on the upper part of the flaps 30, 35, 40, 45. Because the back panel 20 is shorter than the front panels 10, 15, an assistant can easily fasten the flaps for the wearer. Even if, FIG. 12 depicts the back flaps 40, 45 fastened above the front flaps 30, 35, it may be the other way, say, the front flaps 30, 35 are fastened above the back flaps 40, 45.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail, compositions and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An outer garment, which comprises: a first front panel; a second front panel wherein the first and second front panels cover a frontal torso of a wearer; a back panel for covering a back torso of the wearer wherein the first and second front panels are connected at their upper ends to the back panel and the first and second front panels and the back panel define a neck opening to allow the first and second front panels and the back panel to be fitted over a head of the wearer and to be supported upon the wearer's shoulders; a first front flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the first front panel to the horizontally outer direction; a second front flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the second front panel to the horizontally outer direction for covering the side of the torso of the wearer; a first back flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the back panel to horizontally outer direction, substantially similar to the extending direction of the first front flap; a second back flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the back panel to horizontally outer direction, substantially similar to the extending direction of the second front flap; a front fastening means provided near inner edges of the first and second front panels for fastening the first and second front panels together; a first fastening means provided on the first back flap and the upper part of the first front flap for fastening the first front and back flaps together; and a second fastening means provided on the second back flap and the upper part of the second front flap for fastening the second front and back flaps together.
 2. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second front panels, the back panel, the first and second front flaps, and the first and second back flaps are essentially coextensive and integrally constructed such that the front and back panels form a two-dimensional panel.
 3. The outer garment of claim 2, wherein a rim is provided continuously on the outer boundary of the outer garment.
 4. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein a seam is provided between the first front panel and the back panel and between the second front panel and the back panel.
 5. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein in the unfolded view of the outer garment, an inner edge of the first front panel and an inner edge of the second front panel form an angle of about 90 degrees or less.
 6. The outer garment of claim 5, wherein the angle is about 70-90 degrees.
 7. The outer garment of claim 6, wherein the angle is about 80 degrees.
 8. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein the first fastening means is comprised of at least one male snap portion and at least one female snap portion; wherein the second fastening means is comprised of at least one male snap portion and at least one female snap portion;
 9. The outer garment of claim 8, wherein a plurality of snap portions are provided on the first and second front flaps at relatively horizontally spaced apart locations on the outer surface of the outer garment so that one of the snap portions can be fastened from outer side of the outer garment.
 10. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein the first fastening means is comprised of a hook and loop fastening material.
 11. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein one of the hook and loop fastening material is a strip relatively horizontally attached respectively to the first and second front flaps.
 12. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein a plurality of creases are provided on the back panel to prevent the back panel from being spaced apart from the back of a wearer.
 13. The outer garment of claim 1, further comprising a releasably attached bib.
 14. The outer garment of claim 13, wherein the releasably attached bib is attached to the outer garment by means of a hook and loop bib fastening material.
 15. The outer garment of claim 14, wherein two strips of the hook and loop bib fastening material are provided near the upper ends of the first and second front panels.
 16. The outer garment of claim 15, wherein the two strips of the hook and loop bib fastening material on the first and second front panels are disposed inside a pocket of about the size of the strips so that the two strips of the hook and loop bib fastening material are not visible from outside.
 17. An outer garment, which comprises: a first front panel; a second front panel wherein the first and second front panels cover a frontal torso of a wearer; a back panel for covering a back torso of the wearer wherein the first and second front panels are connected at their upper ends to the back panel and the first and second front panels and the back panel define a neck opening to allow the first and second front panels and the back panel to be fitted over a head of the wearer and to be supported upon the wearer's shoulders; a first front flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the first front panel to the horizontally outer direction; a second front flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the second front panel to the horizontally outer direction for covering the side of the torso of the wearer; a first back flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the back panel to horizontally outer direction, substantially similar to the extending direction of the first front flap; a second back flap, adapted for wrapping around the side of the torso of the wearer, extending from the lower part of the back panel to horizontally outer direction, substantially similar to the extending direction of the second front flap; a front fastening means provided near inner edges of the first and second front panels for fastening the first and second front panels together; a first fastening means provided on the first back flap and the upper part of the first front flap for fastening the first front and back flaps together; and a second fastening means provided on the second back flap and the upper part of the second front flap for fastening the second front and back flaps together; wherein the vertical length of the first and second front panels is substantially greater than the vertical length of the back panel; wherein the vertical length of the first and second front flaps is substantially greater than the vertical length of the first and second back flaps.
 18. The outer garment of claim 17, wherein in the unfolded view of the outer garment, an inner edge of the first front panel and an inner edge of the second front panel form an angle of about 70-90 degrees.
 19. The outer garment of claim 17, wherein the first fastening means is comprised of at least one male snap portion and at least one female snap portion; wherein the second fastening means is comprised of at least one male snap portion and at least one female snap portion;
 20. The outer garment of claim 17, wherein the releasably attached bib is attached to the outer garment by means of a hook and loop bib fastening material, and two strips of the hook and loop bib fastening material are provided near the upper ends of the first and second front panels. 